You’ve probably heard of CBD. You’ve likely tried it for yourself. But did you know that CBD can be used by our non-human friends?
Yes, you can give your cat CBD.
CBD is a natural remedy to so many health problems, and every member of your family can benefit from the hemp-derived compound.
Continue reading to learn the inside scoop of CBD for cats, how to give your cat CBD and the various benefits of CBD.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is one of the compounds that come from the hemp plant.
CBD is extracted from the dried hemp plants after they have been ground into a powder. The extracted CBD is then sold in powder form, or later transformed into oils, concentrates, or even edibles.
Most products labeled CBD won’t get you or your feline friend “high” in the traditional sense. CBD’s sister compound, THC, is what initiates the mental high. If a product is sold as CBD, it legally has to have less than .03% THC levels.
So how does CBD even work? After CBD is consumed, via oil, an edible, vape-pen, etc, it interacts with our endocannabinoid system. This impacts our nervous system that controls our mood, appetite, and ability to sleep.
What does this mean for cats? Cats also have an endocannabinoid system. Therefore, our furry friends can also benefit from CBD.
Is CBD Safe for Cats?
Short answer: CBD is safe for cats.
There are, however, a few things to be mindful of when purchasing CBD for your cat. First, check to see that the product you are buying is lab-tested and preferably made for animals. Better yet, ask your vet for what CBD brand they recommend.
CBD is not one of the places where you want to save money and go for the cheapest option. What you pay for is what you get. Higher quality CBD oil might cost more, but your pet will benefit more in the long run.
Lastly, if you are buying CBD oil, be careful of what kind of oil the CBD is infused with. Cats in particular can’t always handle super fatty acids like olive oil or coconut oil. The best option for cats is sardine oil (plus they’ll love the taste and smell).
That said, you can also help your pet not consume too much fatty oil by using a concentrated formula. This way they can get the proper dose without upsetting their stomach.
If your cat does have any negative reactions, stop the use of CBD oil immediately. Check your product and double-check the dosage. Adjust if needed and if the reaction continues, then CBD might not be best for your pet.
Benefits of CBD for Cats
CBD is a safe and natural way to help your cat live comfortably. One dose of CBD can ease the symptoms of anxiety and pain. Let’s dive into a few of the benefits of CBD for cats.
Anxiety
CBD is known for its calming properties in humans. Many use it as a natural remedy for anxiety
If your cat is showing any signs of anxiety, like tucking their tail or holding their ears back, CBD might help calm them down.
CBD is perfect for your scaredy-cat back home, whether your cat is a new rescue that’s still adjusting or they’re just naturally anxious. Instead of timidly hiding in the corner, they might come out to cuddle.
Pain-Management
Your pet might also benefit from CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities.
Especially older animals that suffer from arthritis or other joint issues, CBD can make life much more comfortable. It’s sometimes hard to tell when a cat is in pain; at any sign of pain, go to the vet and see what’s going on. Chances are, they might recommend CBD.
Travel
Does your cat get restless and stressed during plane or car trips? Then CBD might be the answer.
Before a plane or car ride, give your cat a dose of CBD with food. The CBD oil will calm them down for a few hours, and maybe they’ll be able to nap on the trip. Moreover, the rest of the trip will be much more enjoyable for both you and your cat.
How to Give Your Cat CBD
There are few ways you can give your cat CBD. One of the easiest ways is to just sprinkle a few drops of CBD oil into their food.
Some cats might even lick the CBD oil straight out of the bowl!
For a special treat, you can make CBD edibles for your cat (yes, really). CBD cat treats are easy to make and need just a few ingredients. A benefit of making your own CBD treats is that you can know the exact dosage to give your cat, and they are easy to take anywhere you go.
How Much CBD Should a Cat Take?
The amount of CBD a cat should take depends on its weight. To start out, give your cat 2-4 mg per 10 pounds.
If you have given your dog CBD before, you might notice that this is a higher amount per body weight. This is because cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors than dogs. As a result, cats need a higher dose to feel the effects.
Pet-Friendly CBD
CBD for cats is a natural way to reduce your cat’s pain and stress. It’s worth trying at least once – your cat will likely ‘thank’ you.
Want to read more articles like this? Be sure to check out the rest of our site!
